Mangrovines:
Salty Territories
Salty Territories
The word “Mangrovines” is a lyrical neologism popularized by the Senegalese poet Racine Senghor to designate the inhabitants of the Saloum, Gambia and Casamance deltas in West Africa. Drawing on the underwater roots of the manglar, a key natural element in these river regions, Senghor’s collection of poems “Mangrovines” creates a analogy for the deep-rootedness of the sea trades and their values, passed down from one generation to the next.
A half underwater, half swimming trip along the mouth of the Cassamance Delta. Accompanied by my friend Joe and with a camera slung on our backs, we will go deep into the mangrove forests in search of fish. At the same time it is a journey through the greenish waters and loaded with phytoplankton, which connotes, however, a certain security because these waters are full of life. Although we cannot have a visual access to the bottom, the mangrove roots show us the depth below our feet. With each breath of air, we dive by the head and sink deeper until sometimes touching the ground. The color of the water changes depending on the temperatures and also the winds that affect beyond the surface, making the liquid environment becomes increasingly dense and opaque. Although, before our eyes we have only a few centimeters of visibility, the experience of contemplating the river, takes on a hybrid sense and in constant movement. Each time we go up to the surface and dive back down again. At the same time, we do not stop contouring the edge of the mangroves to be able to orient ourselves, and with the branches we interpret a force of water, stirred by the currents and eddies. The roots protect us, just as they also protect small fish from larger predators.
A half underwater, half swimming trip along the mouth of the Cassamance Delta. Accompanied by my friend Joe and with a camera slung on our backs, we will go deep into the mangrove forests in search of fish. At the same time it is a journey through the greenish waters and loaded with phytoplankton, which connotes, however, a certain security because these waters are full of life. Although we cannot have a visual access to the bottom, the mangrove roots show us the depth below our feet. With each breath of air, we dive by the head and sink deeper until sometimes touching the ground. The color of the water changes depending on the temperatures and also the winds that affect beyond the surface, making the liquid environment becomes increasingly dense and opaque. Although, before our eyes we have only a few centimeters of visibility, the experience of contemplating the river, takes on a hybrid sense and in constant movement. Each time we go up to the surface and dive back down again. At the same time, we do not stop contouring the edge of the mangroves to be able to orient ourselves, and with the branches we interpret a force of water, stirred by the currents and eddies. The roots protect us, just as they also protect small fish from larger predators.
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